Being with Sierra, he'd completely forgotten about the woman, showing him he was making the right choice in ending Shelby's hopes of them having a future together.
He couldn't sleep with Sierra, in good conscious, while leaving Shelby dangling. All of that meant he'd have to deal with an aroused body and a lot of frustration, for at least one more night.
Damien was confused about Sierra's obvious embarrassment at him undressing. He'd seen pictures of men parading her around town, read articles about her one-night date status. She was known to go out with a man for one night, and then leave him high and dry in the morning.
She should've been a whole lot more comfortable in his bedroom, if the rumors were true. They had to be true, because the alternative meant he was dealing with an innocent woman. That couldn't be the case – it would make what he was doing too wrong.
"I spoke with my best friend earlier today. She wants me to visit with her. I'm doing nothing here, and I see no point in staying. I don't know if you have some power play thing going on with my dad, or if you really do need an employee, but it's obvious you don't need me right now. I'd like to go ahead and take a flight out of here tomorrow if one's available," Sierra said, speaking loudly to be heard over the sound of the shower spray.
Damien ground his teeth together, irritated that she was still harping on that subject. He figured the discussion was over as he'd already said he didn't want her to leave.
Stubborn woman.
He turned the blast of cold water off, his body sufficiently numb. Before stepping from behind the curtain he grabbed a towel and swiftly dried himself before wrapping it around his waist. At least the cold had temporarily done its job, and his body was somewhat back under control. He couldn't guarantee how long it would stay that way. One look at her gazing at his chest again, and he'd turn solid in a heartbeat.
He stepped up to the sink, not bothering to get dressed. He could see her shoulder, as she leaned against the doorjamb, her head turned away as if looking at him would burn her eyes.
"No." He grabbed his toothbrush and started brushing his teeth.
"What do you mean, no? I'm a grown adult. You can't just tell me no and think that's the end of the discussion," she huffed, her body turning as she stood in the doorway, hands on her hips, glaring at him.
He faced her, his hand still moving the toothbrush in his mouth as he lifted his brows. Then, to really irk her, he winked. He saw the flush start in her neck as her mouth gaped open in shock at his boldness. He turned away and spit in the sink.
It was better if she was mad. Let her stomp off and throw a tantrum, because honor, or not, he was a full-blooded man, and her standing there with her br**sts heaving, and her eyes on fire was working him up all over again.
What he really wanted to do was forget about his night and simply throw Sierra on his bed, which happened to be only a short distance behind her. He felt himself rising underneath his towel and cursed as he bent down and took some water in his mouth to rinse.
"Don't you dare ignore me, Damien Whitfield. I'm trying to talk to you!"
Damien slowly turned, surprised at her tone. She was getting fully worked-up. Heck, one kiss, just one. Was that really so bad? He took a menacing step forward, feeling adrenaline rush through him. She quickly took a retreating step back.
He was in charge – he was hungry – he really wanted to prove how easily he could have that tone of voice of hers changing. Within minutes, he could have her begging him for more, not yelling at him from a doorway.
He stopped only inches from her, taking delight at the desire he saw in her eyes.
"Is this better, Sierra? Do you want my full attention," he whispered, his hand stroking the bone just below her neck, running his fingers across the top of her blouse. Her ni**les instantly responded to his light touch, poking through the thin material of her bra and shirt, causing him a whole lot of new pain in his groin. He barely managed to hold in the groan.
"Well, uh, this is a bit too close … " she started saying when she finally gave up and closed her lips. He brought his hand up and traced her mouth, wanting just one taste. The way she was looking at him was making him come undone. One taste would be enough …
∞∞∞
Sierra felt her heart thundering in her ears. He was going to kiss her. She could feel it. Her mind screamed for her to kick him, yell, do anything but stand there like a statue. She should be turning tail and running.
Her body was telling her something entirely different. Her feet refused to retreat any further, and her ni**les were pressing painfully against the cotton of her bra. Her core, oh her core, was on fire as sensations rocketed inside.